Ryanair pilots have announced a fresh round of strikes in September after union members failed to come to an agreement with the airline over pay.
The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) said its members could strike for a further seven days this month, after staging walkouts on September 3 and September 4.
Ryanair said it managed to operate a full flight schedule during the strikes this week, partly by enlisting more contractors and pilots from around Europe.
Pilots also walked out for 48 hours in August after negotiation talks fell through.
The airline has called the latest round of strikes “pointless” as the industrial action has not resulted in any flight cancellations.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Ryanair strikes happening this September:
Why are Ryanair pilots striking?
Balpa said the strike is down to a row over pay and working conditions. Union members are calling for the same kind of agreements that exist in other airlines on pensions, maternity benefits, loss of licence insurance, allowances and pay.
“While the action has considerably disrupted Ryanair, forcing them to engage in contractors and bring in foreign crews to run its operation, it has had limited impact on the public’s travel plans,” said Balpa’s general secretary Brian Strutton.
Ryanair should stop dragging its feet and get back to the negotiating table.”
The airline hit back at the union, saying that most of its pilots had flown during the last rounds of industrial action in August and early September.
“These latest Balpa strikes are pointless given that during five days of Balpa strikes [on] 22, 23 August and 2, 3, 4 September all Ryanair flights to and from UK airports operated as scheduled – with zero cancellations – thanks to the efforts of over 95% of our UK pilots who flew as rostered and did not support these failed Balpa strikes.
“We again call on Balpa to return to talks s these failed strikes have not achieved anything.”
When are the strikes planned?
Pilots will walk out from 18-19 September for 48 hours.
More strike action is planned on 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 September.
Which flights will be affected?
It’s not yet clear which flights will be affected, but judging from the fallout over previous strikes, any travel disruption passengers may face is likely to be minimal.
If there are any changes to your flight, Ryanair should inform you over text or email.
Am I entitled to compensation for cancelled flights?
You may be able to claim back costs caused as a result of a delayed or cancelled flight – for example, accommodation costs or food and drink while waiting at an airport.
However, unlike delays for other reasons, airlines are not obligated to offer compensation following industrial action because strikes are usually considered to be ‘extraordinary circumstances.’
Following strike action last year, Ryanair were ordered by the Civil Aviation Authority to pay compensation of €250 to €400 per passenger, so if the strikes go ahead, it’s possible that travellers affected could be entitled to a similar figure.
